The Future Is Today

2018 Subaru BRZ tS first drive review: less sideways, more stick

The Subaru BRZ has been focused on handling and fun since its introduction in 2011. Dynamic drivability comes naturally in a lightweight sports car, after all.

For 2018, the STI-tuned Subaru BRZ tS sharpens its handling further—nearly to the point of leaving bare the car’s power deficit.

Less sideways, more grip

The BRZ tS is immediately recognizable as something different. The boy-racer carbon fiber wing stands proudly off the rear trunk lid and screams for attention.

It takes only two turns on twisty roads near Palm Springs, California, to know this BRZ is fundamentally different the BRZs before it. The BRZ tS sticks to the ground and digs in around a corner. It’s a new feeling for the car.

Wearing its stock tires, the old BRZ instantly kicked its tail out at a hint of steering input. Bury the throttle and the new BRZ tS glues to the pavement thanks to its Michelin Pilot Sport 4 gumballs. Better? Sure. Quicker around a track? Absolutely.

On the circuit at Thermal Club, the 64 percent increase in downforce in the rear and 87 percent increase in the front results in a more stable BRZ tS at speeds faster than 50 mph. Dive for the apex and the Subaru coupe is ready for more.

Slow down and head over to an autocross setup in the tS and the extra grip is welcome—albeit at the expense of instant sideways fun—weaving around the coned course with confidence.

While the extra grip increases confidence exponentially, it’s still possible to get the rear end out on the BRZ tS—just try harder. Those wanting to sacrifice sets of Michelin Pilot Sport 4s still can do so. Tires have been warned.